He said his players have got over the crushing disappointment of blowing the chance of automatic promotion in the Preston North End match and are now firmly focused on the showdown at Reading.

“Let’s make no bones about it, it was pretty bad Saturday and Sunday,” he confessed.

“We had a few come in Sunday morning for treatment, things like that, and they were pretty down.

“Monday morning I got into them. We had a meeting, I spoke to them about the disappointment and that professional sports people have to get over disappointment quicker than most.

“The thing about when you get knocked down, it’s how quickly you get back up.

“What they have shown this season, on many occasions, is that they have done that.

‘‘They’ve shown a bit of resilience, a bit of steel a bit of character. Character, that’s probably the best word.

“And we’re aware that as long as we accept people will be saying ‘well, how will Birmingham be feeling mentally?’ – we can’t try to ignore that – we will be all right. We have to accept that and confront that.”

Reading went from 10-1 outsiders a fortnight ago to many people’s tip to squeak past Blues and Sheffield United, who are away at Crystal Palace.

McLeish stressed that Blues still had their noses in front, and it was all about what they did.

“There have been a lot of obstacles to overcome this season and it’s another challenge where, quite simply, it’s in our hands,’’ he said. “It’s not in Reading’s hands, they could win and still not go up. They are all governed by what happens with us.

“If I could say to you that we had a bad start to the season and we’d come the last 10 games, won 10 in a row or something to this point, then the psychology would be different, wouldn’t it?

“But it’s still the same situation. We have that one point advantage and that’s what the players have to realise.”

Both teams need to win at the Madejski Stadium – as was the case in the Preston game – and how the tactical battle pans out will be fascinating.

Ultimately, it will be down to Blues’ players to not only make their ability count, but perform with the greater desire.

McLeish said: “We have got to think about what Reading might be thinking but, more importantly, is that our players take responsibility, turn up and show the character that they have shown me on many, many occasions this season.

“I don’t see any sign of shirkers in that dressing room or people that will crumble, so it’s definitely game on.”

Sebastian Larsson (shoulder) and Franck Queudrue (groin) will be closely monitored before McLeish decides on his side.

Lee Bowyer is suspended, opening the door for Lee Carsley’s return or a shift in position for others.

McLeish said: “Franck has got a little niggly problem. We will see how he is the next couple of days. If not, Martin Taylor comes in.”

Reading have not won on home soil since January. They have lost four and drawn three of their last seven matches there.

McLeish commented: “We have seen their home record, but they’re a good side. Suffice to say, we know that they can be beaten on their own ground. The evidence is there.

“And for what’s at stake, I would expect every one of our players to play to capacity.”